Crassula socialis



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Botanical Name
Crassula socialis
Family
Crassulaceae - The crassula family.
Pronunciation
KRASS-yoo-la so-KEE-ah-liss
Common Name(s)
English: Social crassula
Plant Group
  • Succulent A plant having fleshy stems or leaves often adapted to dry conditions.
Plant Size
  • Very Small
    Tree3m to 4m
    Shrub25cm to 50cm
    Perennial/ground coverUp to 10cm
    Bulb10cm to 20cm
    SucculentUp to 5cm
Position
  • Partial Shade The area is in shade for part of the day and in full sun for part of the day.
General Information
  • Drought Tolerance: High The plant is well adapted to arid conditions; it can survive long periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
  • Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
  • Frost: Tender A plant that will not survive any frost or low winter temperatures.
  • Water Wise Plant species originating from low rainfall regions that require less water to survive and thrive than other plant species.
Specific Information

This small rosette plant forms mats of bright green leaves. The flowers are small, but are produced in vast numbers and cover the plant. According to the Red List of South African Plants, this species is rare and known only from four sub-populations.

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Flowers
Description

tiny white stars in clumps on a thin stem

Season
  • Winter Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.
Colour
  • white
Growth Rate
  • Moderate to Fast Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.
Plant Uses
  • Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
  • Ground Cover Low-lying plants that spread fast, require minimal maintenance, and cover large expanses or bare areas between bulbs or shrubs. They provide protection from erosion and drought and improve the visual appearance of the garden.
  • Pot Plant A plant that needs a protected environment on a patio or indoors.
  • Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.
  • Wild Garden An indigenous garden planted for the benefit of wildlife and birds. Provides food, water, a variety of mini-biomes and no poisonous chemicals are used.
Distribution and Habitat

endemic to the South Eastern Cape Province, in rock crevices on cliffs, usually south or south-east facing

Planting Suggestions

These tiny crassulas grow in the driest of clay soil, on the south side of banks where they are shaded from the worst of the summer sun. Because of their size, they are probably best suited to containers. It is essential not to over-water them or they will lose their neat, compact shape.

Medicinal Uses

Unknown

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Comments

are you sure of the name, the flowers are on top of the stam from round 6 - 10 cm stam

Hi Cok

Many thanks. You are quite correct and I appreciate your help. Do you agree that the Crassula I have here is Crassula obicularis?

Would it be possible to send me some bigger photos - 100kb minimum - of Crassula socialis to use on my website? I will acknowledge the photos as your property and they will be watermarked to prevent copying. (email: kumbulanursery@gmail.co.za)

Thanks again for your help and hope to hear from you.

Kind regards
Lorraine

Yes Cok..

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